When visiting Jalisco, Mexico, one of the most cherished Mexican experiences is getting to explore the local tequila distilleries. The state of Jalisco is the birthplace of tequila, and the nearby city of Guadalajara offers a selection of the best tequila distilleries in the country. Plan to make a visit to these distilleries and familiarize yourself with the history of tequila production and the art of agave distillation.
What are the Best Tequila Distilleries to Visit Near Guadalajara?
The best tequila distilleries to visit near Guadalajara are:
- Jose Cuervo
- Casa Sauza
- Familia Camarena
- Casa Herradura
Each of these tequila distilleries offer guided tours, tastings, and educational seminars on the production of tequila. Guests can sample a variety of different tequilas while learning about the traditional methods and distinctive traditions of tequila distillation.
Jose Cuervo is the world’s oldest distillery, having been producing tequila in the area for over 200 years. Jose Cuervo offers daily tours, tastings, and heritage exhibits for visitors, as well as a coveted master distiller certification for those who complete the tour.
Casa Sauza is famously known for its “old-fashioned” brand of tequila that is crafted using traditional practices. Visitors can explore the century-old distillery and learn about agave farming and the production process.
Familia Camarena is renowned for its distinct tequila offerings, all of which are made with the same practices and ingredients of the original tequila in 1820. The distillery also features a museum and a cantina, as well as a restaurant and bar.
Casa Herradura is unique in that it is the only distillery in Mexico that uses a natural spring-surrounded stainless steel still. The distillery offers an interactive tour exploring the distilling process, and visitors have the opportunity to sample Casa Herradura’s finest tequila.
How is Tequila Made?
Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which grows in the volcanic soils of central Mexico. The process of making tequila begins with sourcing and harvesting the agave. The leaves of the agave plant are then trimmed, and the hearts of the plant, called piñas, are cooked.
Cooking the Agave
The agave piñas are cooked in brick ovens or in autoclaves and steamers, depending on the distillery’s preference.
During the cooking process, the agave is heated up to break down the plant’s starch into simple sugars. The cooked agave must cool before it can be processed further.
Milling and Fermentation
Once the agave has cooled, it is removed from the oven and mashed. This process is often done with a tahona, a large stone wheel pulled by a horse.
“We still use a large tahona wheel to crush the cooked piñas, just as our ancestors did,” said Javier Carrillo, distiller of Casa Sauza. “It’s a labor of love, and it adds a special touch to each of our products.”
The mashed agave fibers are placed into fermentation tanks and combined with natural yeasts, which will convert the sugars into alcohol. This process can take anywhere from 2-7 days, and it is during this step that the distinctive flavor of the agave is imparted into the tequila.
Distillation
Once the agave has been fermented, it is ready to be distilled. The fermented liquid is placed into distilling tanks, usually made of stainless steel, and heated. Only the purest vapor with the most alcohol will be collected and distilled further.
The tequila is double distilled in the tequila-making process. During the first distillation, the alcohol is separated from the water, while the second distillation will remove any undesirable flavors or impurities. The final product is pure, high-grade tequila.
Ageing & Bottling
The distilled tequila is then placed into oak barrels and aged for up to two years. This step is not mandatory and depends on the style of tequila desired. Some tequilas, including blanco tequilas, skip this step and are bottled immediately after the second distillation.
Once the aging process is complete, the tequila is blended and bottled. Popular labels such as Jose Cuervo and Casa Sauza will offer a blend of several barrels of tequila, ensuring that each bottle offers a distinct, rich flavor.
Conclusion
Visiting the tequila distilleries near Guadalajara is the best way to appreciate and explore the tequila-making process. Take the time to visit each of the local distilleries and sample world-famous tequila labels, such as Jose Cuervo, Casa Sauza, Familia Camarena, and Casa Herradura. Each of these distilleries will offer something unique when it comes to their production process and flavors.
So what are you waiting for? Take a trip to the area of Jalisco and get ready to experience the history and flavor of fine tequila!
References: